Roger Ebert spent a great deal of the last four decades as one of most notable critics of the newspaper age. But, that didn’t stop him from becoming a force to reckon with in the digital age.
Since October of 2009 and his subsequent 31,260 tweets, Ebert has shared not only his film reviews, but breaking news, cultural opinions and his often sharp humor with a growing fanbase that grew to more than 836,000 followers.
From his first poetic tweet in which he wrote, “One of the surprises you get when growing older is that the people you knew when you were young are young forever.”
Also read: Roger Ebert, Film Critic Extraordinaire, Dies at 70
His last 140 word-capped Twitter entry will now historically end with his announcement that his cancer had returned in an article he called, “A Leave of Presence.”
Between those two points, Ebert shared some pretty amazing musings. Here are our picks for the best.
He can always kick up a controversy. His tweet following MTV star Ryan Dunn‘s death.
Friends don't let jackasses drink and drive.
– Roger Ebert (@ebertchicago) June 20, 2011
Ebert weighs in Sandra Bullock.
Dear David Brooks: If I were Sandra Bullock, would I rather have an Oscar than Jesse James? Does a bear shit in the woods?
– Roger Ebert (@ebertchicago) March 31, 2010
Ebert on John McCain.
McCain says he was never a Maverick Nor is he a Fusion, a Focus or an Edge. Maybe an Edsel?
– Roger Ebert (@ebertchicago) April 6, 2010
On Charlie Sheen joining Twitter.
I could get a million followers like Charlie Sheen did, but my wife would leave me and I'd be a poor lonely sap like he is.
– Roger Ebert (@ebertchicago) March 3, 2011
His #SteelyDanMoment series of tweets. For example:
#SteelyDanMoment I could love someone who didn't love bluegrass, but she'd need to have a lot of other things going for her.
– Roger Ebert (@ebertchicago) March 28, 2010
Ebert on Lady Gaga.
If Lady Gaga could sing, she'd have it all.
– Roger Ebert (@ebertchicago) March 27, 2010
Ebert slams Sarah Palin.
How many Presidents have needed a teleprompter less than Obama? How many ex-governors have needed one more than Palin?
– Roger Ebert (@ebertchicago) February 27, 2010
Palin made $100,000 for her Tea Party speech slamming over-spending and greed.http://j.mp/agtidS
– Roger Ebert (@ebertchicago) February 7, 2010